As airspace restrictions across the Middle East begin to ease, Gulf carriers are taking different approaches to restarting operations amid lingering security concerns.
Etihad, Emirates Resume Operations
In this post, I’m going to focus on the three major Gulf carriers, two of which have just resumed limited air service even in the midst of geopolitical uncertainty and questions over whether attacks from Iran are over.
Etihad – Flights Resuming, But Commercial Flights Still Cancelled
Etihad began more aggressively resuming flights today, but officially claims passenger service remains suspended. Per the carrier:
“Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals.”
But that is not the case. EY67, for example, took off from Abu Dhabi (AUH) for London (LHR) this afternoon and is currently enroute to London. Other flights to Europe, Russia, and the Middle East are also now scheduled to operate today.
Over the last several days, we have seen Etihad re-position aircraft back to Abu Dhabi via Muscat (MCT), including an Airbus A350 from New York (JFK) on February 28, which flew to Muscat and then continued to Abu Dhabi.
Passengers who have been stranded the longest will be given priority to get onto the flights.
Emirates – Flights Resuming
On Monday evening, Emirates resumed service on a limited basis, issuing the following message to travelers:
Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of 2 March.
We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates.
Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified.
All other flights remain suspended until further notice.
Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.
Emirates has not published a list of flights or destinations that have resumed but said, like Etihad, that passengers who have been stranded the longest will be given priority to get onto the flights.
Qatar Airways – Flights Still Suspended
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways flights remain suspended:
Qatar Airways flights to, and from, Doha have been temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.
Qatar has not been hit by Iranian missiles, but its proximity to Iran has led the state to take a more conservative approach.
CONCLUSION
Etihad and Emirates are moving toward a phased return to service, even if official messaging still emphasizes caution and limited operations. I suspect Qatar Airways won’t be far behind, though flights from Doha remain suspended. I expect a lot of extra capacity over the next few days to get people to their destinations and networks back on schedule.
image: Etihad
If they’re able to safely operate, good. If there’s any attacks on those aircraft or airports, that’d be a serious escalation, because the damage/death to civilians would be catastrophic. Other than to relocate stranded passengers and get equipment out, I wouldn’t recommend booking through there anytime soon, even if it’s a ‘killer’ deal. *pun intended*
Of course the first pax flight number resuming service is Etihad 67. This generation, man.
I’m not so sure about all of this. Qatar just shot down two SU-24’s a few hours ago. I have a sense that this is going to be really limited and perhaps be shut down again soon by all three carriers.
Good job, Qatar!
My biggest nightmare is the U.S. shooting down a civilian plane by accident. This president will stop at nothing to appear to be bigger than life. He is a scoundrel and a liar. Good that they are resuming some flights.
Apparently, the Kuwaitis already got that covered… *facepalm* (glad the pilots were able to eject.)